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Road
![](https://auscycling.imgix.net/images/time-trial-discipline.jpg?w=1500&h=844&fit=min&auto=format)
As the name suggests road races take place on the road and include mass start road races, handicaps, time trials and criterium that take place across a variety of distances and terrains.
![Cyclists taking part in criterium road race](https://auscycling.imgix.net/images/criterium-discipline.jpg?w=1500&h=1500&fit=min&auto=format)
Criterium
Criteriums are short, fast-paced road races, typically on a flat road circuit of between 800m to 3 kilometres, that can seem chaotic as riders jostle for position through corners and tight bends. The race is usually run over a set time from about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the grade, followed by a number of laps to finish.
![Cyclist racing in time trial on road track](https://auscycling.imgix.net/images/time-trial-discipline.jpg?w=1500&h=1500&fit=min&auto=format)
Time trial
The individual time trial is a race against the clock. Riders set off at intervals on a course that may be out and back or a loop, with the goal to ride the fastest time. Aerodynamic equipment and position on the bike to be as aero and therefore fast as possible play a vital role in this discipline. Riders will often wear aerodynamic helmets, specialized skinsuits and socks to gain as much advantage as possible.
![Amys Gran Fondo ride](https://auscycling.imgix.net/images/amys-gran-fondo-hero-image-1.jpg?w=888&h=888&fit=min&auto=format)
Gran Fondo
Loosely translating to ‘big long-distance ride’, a gran fondo is a mass-participation road event with support vehicles, food and drink stops, and a buzzing festival atmosphere.
While some people treat a gran fondo like a race, some aim to set a personal best, and others just want a fun day on their bike with hundreds of other cyclists.